Take KTX-Eum to Gangneung... Korail launches Gangneung edition of ‘Rail & City’ block set

[Financial News] Jeongdongjin Station, Ojukheon, and the KTX-Eum train running between them can now be assembled by hand using 456 blocks.
According to Korail on the 2nd, the Gangneung edition recreates in blocks the KTX-Eum train connecting Seoul and Gangneung, along with signature Gangneung tourist attractions and historical and cultural landmarks such as Jeongdongjin Station and Ojukheon. Rail & City is a region-linked railway merchandise series featuring railways and each region’s signature tourism and cultural elements as assembly blocks. Following the Gyeongju and Busan editions, this is the third installment.
The series debuted last July. The first installment, the Gyeongju edition (536 blocks), featured a train passing between Bulguksa and Cheomseongdae, while the Busan edition (512 blocks) depicted Busan’s vibrant city center and coastal scenery alongside a train. At the time, KORAIL Retail said it would expand the series to more regions by limiting sales of each regional product primarily to that region.
The Gangneung edition costs 35,000 won. It is sold at Train Mates railway merchandise stores at Seoul and Busan stations, and at Storyway convenience stores at Gangneung and Cheongnyangni stations.
It can also be selected as a thank-you gift. Donating 100,000 won to Gangneung City through the online donation platform Gohyang Sarang e-Eum earns 30,000 points, which can be used to buy the assembly-block set at a discounted price. Under the Hometown Love Donation Program, donations of up to 100,000 won qualify for a tax credit for the full donation amount, and donors can also receive a thank-you gift worth up to 30% of their donation. Last June, Korail signed a business agreement with Gangneung City and KORAIL Retail to develop and supply the product as a thank-you gift from the city.
Kim Gwang-mo, head of Korail’s Future Division, said, “This railway merchandise is a product that creates new value by combining railways with regional tourism resources.” He added, “We will continue working with local governments to promote railways and regional tourism, and expand projects that bring vitality to local economies.”

[email protected] Jeong Gyeong-su Reporter